The Daily Mail says Villas-Boas has identified Rodwell as the first major brick in rebuilding his Chelsea team and is confident he will land the Everton midfielder next month.

While Everton are sure to demand around £20million for a player who recently made his breakthrough on the international stage, Chelsea are expected to start the bidding nearer £12m.

Sources at Goodison Park already believe Rodwell is Stamford Bridge-bound and question whether he will appear in an Everton shirt again, given his latest injury setback.

SOURCE: Tribalfootball

This source suggests that Everton have given up all hope of keeping Jack Rodwell and that a move to West London is on the cards next month but clearly a number of factors are also in play here. Firstly, Man United are also said to be keen on the England international and Sir Alex Ferguson’s need to bring in a defensive midfielder may see the Old Trafford boss look to spark a bidding war for the Toffees man.

Secondly, the sale of one of Everton’s prized assets is sure to further anger Goodison Park fans who feel that the club lack ambition and thirdly, such a sale may leave boss David Moyes considering his future as his job becomes more and more problematic.

The Scot already was handed no transfer funds in the summer and it’s been speculated that any sale of Everton stars wouldn’t necessary lead to the Everton man being able to strengthen his small squad and if this was indeed the case then the former Preston boss may just decide enough is enough.